Indigenous History Month

A group of Heiltsuk people rowing a traditional boat.

June is Indigenous History Month in Canada. A time to reflect and act on the history of interactions between settlers and Indigenous people.

More and more Canadians want to learn the truth about the destruction of the cultures and languages of Indigenous Peoples in Canada, and the theft of their lands.

Why is this important?

If you live and work in Canada, you’re on Indigenous land. Learning about Indigenous history and culture, the stories of treaties and residential schools, and the current issues faced by Indigenous Peoples, is vital for ensuring that justice prevails and meaningful reconciliation happens (not just on paper).

Companies have responsibilities towards Indigenous people, listed in the calls to action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s final report, number 92:

Business and Reconciliation

  1. We call upon the corporate sector in Canada to
    adopt the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of
    Indigenous Peoples as a reconciliation framework and to
    apply its principles, norms, and standards to corporate
    policy and core operational activities involving
    Indigenous peoples and their lands and resources. This
    would include, but not be limited to, the following:

    i. Commit to meaningful consultation, building
    respectful relationships, and obtaining the free,
    prior, and informed consent of Indigenous peoples
    before proceeding with economic development
    projects.

    ii. Ensure that Aboriginal peoples have equitable
    access to jobs, training, and education opportunities
    in the corporate sector, and that Aboriginal
    communities gain long-term sustainable benefits
    from economic development projects.

    iii. Provide education for management and staff on the
    history of Aboriginal peoples, including the history
    and legacy of residential schools, the United Nations
    Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples,
    Treaties and Aboriginal rights, Indigenous law, and
    Aboriginal–Crown relations. This will require skills
    based training in intercultural competency, conflict
    resolution, human rights, and anti-racism.

One way to ensure that Indigenous people can apply for your job vacancies is to offer training and support to people in local Indigenous communities (see item ii above), rather than just waiting for them to apply for jobs; and of course ensure that existing staff are educated on the topics listed under item iii above.

Learn more

The resource that I found most helpful for learning about Indigenous history was 150 Acts of Reconciliation from Active History. It gives a list of small actions you can do every day. I even made a spreadsheet template to help people keep track of which acts they’ve completed.

I have created a resources list on our Land Acknowledgment page with links to websites where you can learn more about Indigenous culture and issues, and identified the key resources to get you started on your learning journey.

A turtle on a green background. Many First Nations call North America "Turtle Island", referring to its shape which resembles a turtle, and a common Indigenous creation myth.

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